We regularly swallow saliva. And got used to oral cavity always wet and the cessation of sufficient production of this body fluid is perceived with suspicion. As a rule, increased dryness in the mouth is a sign of a disease.

Saliva is a habitual and necessary biologically active liquid. Helps maintain levels immune protection in the oral cavity, digestion of food. What is the composition of human saliva, fluid production rates, and physical and chemical properties?

Saliva is a biological substance secreted by the salivary glands. Produce liquid 6 major glands- submandibular, parotid, sublingual - and many small ones located in the oral cavity. Up to 2.5 liters of fluid is released per day.

The composition of the secretions of the salivary glands differs from the composition of the fluid in. This is due to the presence of food debris, the presence of microorganisms.

Functions of the biological fluid:

• wetting the food bolus;
• disinfecting;
• protective;
• promotes articulation and swallowing of the food bolus;
• breakdown of carbohydrates in the oral cavity;
• transport - the liquid wets the epithelium of the oral cavity and is involved in the metabolism between saliva and the mucous membrane of the oral cavity.

The mechanism of saliva production

Physical properties and composition of saliva

The biological fluid healthy person has a number of physical and chemical properties. They are presented in the table.

Table 1. Normal characteristics saliva.

The main component of the oral fluid is water - up to 98%. The remaining components can be divided into acids, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, metal compounds, organics.

Organic composition

The vast majority of components organic origin, which are part of saliva, are of a protein nature. Their number varies from 1.4 to 6.4 g/l.

Types of protein compounds:

• glycoproteins;
• mucins - high molecular weight glycoproteins that ensure the ingestion of a food bolus - 0.9–6.0 g / l;
• immunoglobulins of class A, G and M;
• whey protein fractions - enzymes, albumins;
• salivoprotein - a protein involved in the formation of deposits on the teeth;
• phosphoprotein - binds calcium ions with the formation of tartar;
• - participates in the processes of splitting di- and polysaccharides into smaller fractions;
• maltase is an enzyme that breaks down maltose and sucrose;
• lipase;
• proteolytic component - for the breakdown of protein fractions;
• lipolytic components - act on fatty foods;
• lysozyme - has a disinfecting effect.

In the discharge of the salivary glands, insignificant amounts of cholesterol, compounds based on it, and fatty acids are found.

The composition of saliva

In addition, hormones are present in the oral fluid:

• cortisol;
• estrogens;
• progesterone;
• testosterone.

Saliva is involved in the wetting of food and the formation of a food bolus. Already in the oral cavity, enzymes break down complex carbohydrates for monomers.

Mineral (inorganic) components

Inorganic fractions in saliva are represented by acidic salt residues and metal cations.

The mineral composition of the secretion of the salivary glands:

• chlorides - up to 31 mmol / l;
• bromides;
• iodides;
• oxygen;
• nitrogen;
• carbon dioxide;
• salt uric acid– up to 750 mmol/l;
• anions of phosphorus-containing acids;
• carbonates and bicarbonates - up to 13 mmol / l;
• sodium - up to 23 mmol / l;
• – up to 0.5 mmol/l;
• calcium - up to 2.7 mmol / l;
• strontium;
• copper.

In addition, saliva contains small amounts of vitamins of various groups.

Composition features

The composition of saliva can change with age, as well as in the presence of diseases.

The chemical composition of the oral fluid varies depending on the age of the patient, his current state, the presence of bad habits, the speed of its production.

Saliva is a dynamic fluid, that is, the ratio various substances varies depending on what kind of food is in the oral cavity at the current time. For example, the use of carbohydrates, sweets contributes to an increase in glucose and lactate. Smokers have elevated levels of radon salts, unlike non-smokers.

A person's age has a significant effect. So, in older people, the level of calcium in the salivary fluid rises, which provokes the formation of tartar on the teeth.

Changes quantitative indicators depends on general condition person, presence chronic pathologies or inflammatory process acute stage. Also, drugs taken on an ongoing basis have a significant impact.

For example, with hypovolemia, diabetes going on a sharp decline production of salivary gland secretion, but the amount of glucose increases. With kidney disease - uremia various genesis- Nitrogen levels increase.

During inflammatory processes in the oral cavity there is a decrease in lysozyme with an increase in the production of enzymes. This aggravates the course of the disease and contributes to the destruction of periodontal tissues. The lack of oral fluid is a cariogenic factor.

Subtleties of saliva secretion

0.5 ml of saliva per minute should be produced in a healthy person in daytime

The work of the salivary glands is controlled by the autonomic nervous system with a center in medulla oblongata. The production of salivary fluid varies depending on the time of day. At night and during sleep, its amount decreases sharply, during the daytime it increases. In a state of anesthesia, the work of the glands completely stops.

Saliva is a special secret (mucus) that is produced by the salivary glands and protects the oral cavity from the vital activity of pathogens that live in the mouth. Normally, a person secretes 2-2.2 mg of saliva every 10-15 minutes. However, under the influence negative factors, saliva secretion increases, indicating some malfunction internal organs and systems. Copious excretion saliva in medicine is called hypersalivation. And why it arises and how to deal with it, you will now find out.

Main reasons

Speaking about why a person has a lot of saliva in his mouth, it should be noted that this condition can be promoted various factors. And the most common ones are:

• Taking certain medications (hypersalivation is considered side effect many drugs).
• Metabolic disorders in the body.
• neurological disorders.
• Intoxication (poisoning).
• Toxic infections ( infectious diseases, pathogens of which in the course of their life activity produce toxins that poison the body).
• Otorhinolaryngological pathologies (sinusitis, sinusitis, otitis media, etc.).

In adults, hypersalivation is often the result of pathologies associated with impaired work. digestive system or CNS. But in children, this condition often occurs against the background of acute respiratory infections or ENT diseases.

Causes in children under one year old

Increased strong salivation in children aged 0-12 months is natural and should not cause anxiety in parents, especially if there are no third-party symptoms against the background of hypersalivation, for example, tearfulness, irritability, disturbed sleep, etc.

This is due to the fact that the first few months after birth, the child's salivary glands go through an adaptation period. They don't yet "know" how to work properly to provide proper oral protection. As soon as their adaptation ends, hypersalivation becomes less pronounced, but not for long, since then, from 4–5 months, the child begins to erupt, causing the gums to become inflamed. And any inflammation in the oral cavity is a kind of activator for the salivary glands, and their functionality is enhanced.

However, do not forget that children, as well as adults, are susceptible to various diseases. And therefore, if hypersalivation in a baby is accompanied unpleasant symptoms, it should be shown to a doctor immediately.

Causes in adults

There are many factors that provoke the occurrence of hypersalivation in adults. And often this condition is provoked bad habits- smoking and alcohol. Tobacco smoke and ethyl alcohol have a chemical effect on the salivary glands, irritating them and activating their work.

But the following reasons can also lead to the development of hypersalivation:

1. Dental diseases affecting the mouth and throat. These include: gingivitis, periodontal disease, stomatitis, tonsillitis, etc. With their development, increased secretion of saliva is a kind of response of the body to the causative agent of the disease, which removes their decay products from the oral cavity. And since in the course of their life, pathogenic microorganisms produce toxic substances, saliva can smell rotten.
2. Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract - stomach ulcers and duodenum, gastritis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis and many others. With the development of these diseases in the digestive tract, strong inflammatory processes occur, which are also stimulants of increased salivation.
3. Facial paralysis. A person cannot control his reflexes. Saliva is constantly secreted and in order to get rid of it, a person either swallows it or spits it out. With paralysis of the face, the patient cannot swallow liquids, which causes the accumulation of saliva in the oral cavity.
4. Parkinson's disease. This is a serious pathology, which is characterized by disorders of the central nervous system. With its development, the muscles responsible for swallowing lose their tone, as a result of which a person cannot swallow saliva.
5. Parotitis (mumps). This disease is infectious nature and provokes the development of inflammatory processes in the parotid salivary glands. This condition leads to swelling of the face and throat, which causes narrowing of the pharynx and impaired fluid flow through it. In this regard, a person hardly swallows saliva, and most of it begins to accumulate in the oral cavity.
6. Pathologies thyroid gland. Thyroid produces hormones that provide control over the work of the salivary glands. And when the functionality of the thyroid gland is disturbed, the process of saliva productivity gets out of control and begins to be produced in large quantities.
7. Irritation of the salivary glands. In this case we are talking about mechanical irritation that occurs when wearing dentures, during dental procedures, chewing solid food, etc.
8. Taking medication. As mentioned above, profuse salivation is one of side effects. Most often, hypersalivation is observed when taking Muscarine, Lithium, Nitrazepam and Pilocarpine.
9. Pregnancy. On the early dates gestation there is a change hormonal background. And hormones, as was said, are directly involved in the work of the salivary glands. Also, such a reaction can give a sick stomach and frequent heartburn.
10. Excessive physical activity. Every organism has individual characteristics and in some cases, hypersalivation may be the result of excessive physical activity. This includes not only running, jumping and lifting dumbbells, but also the power loads that a person receives during the day. An example of this is loaders who are constantly forced to lift weights.

What does he say increased salivation in nighttime?

Of course, various factors can provoke hypersalivation. But if a person has excessive salivation during sleep, then this may indicate not only disorders digestive tract or the central nervous system, but also for helminthiasis.

Signs of helminthiasis are not only increased salivation, but also:

• Nausea.
• Decreased appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Grinding of teeth during sleep.
• Sleep disturbance.
• Increased irritability.
• Violation of concentration of memory and attention.
• Bad breath in the morning.

To quickly eliminate the signs of helminthiasis, it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment, which involves taking antihelminthic drugs. They have different kinds and should only be taken with a doctor's prescription complete examination patient and detection exact type helminthiasis.

Diagnostics

It should be noted that excessive salivation is not a disease. It is considered one of the symptoms of various pathological conditions. And in order to save a person from increased salivation, the doctor needs to establish the exact factor that provoked the occurrence of hypersalivation. And for this he carries out the following activities:

• Collects an anamnesis, during which he finds out how long a person has increased salivation, what additional symptoms it is accompanied.
• Conducts an analysis of the patient's life, in which he clarifies what kind of lifestyle a person leads (how he eats, whether there are bad habits, etc.).
• Examines the oral cavity.
• Determines the amount of saliva secreted per day and takes a swab to study the level of enzymes.
• Appoints a consultation with other specialists, for example, a neuropathologist, endocrinologist, dentist, etc.

Only after the exact cause that could increase salivation is established, the doctor prescribes a treatment that allows you to quickly get rid of hypersalivation. If it is not possible to determine the exact cause given state, a detailed examination is performed, which may include CT, MRI, ultrasound, etc.

How is it treated?

However, you need to understand that in no case should you self-medicate, as this can lead to serious problems with health, especially if the cause of hypersalivation has not been established.

Salivation (or salivation) is one of the most important processes in the human body, providing normal condition mucous membranes of the oral cavity, gums, teeth, tongue.

Unfortunately, the process of salivation in some cases can proceed incorrectly, which will be discussed in the article.

1. Types of violations of normal salivation

Hypersalivation

Saliva is produced in large quantities, it must be constantly spit out or swallowed.

There are very frequent cases of saliva flowing out of the mouth during sleep, when there is a complete relaxation of the muscles, including the facial ones, and the person is simply not able to control himself at such a moment.

However, the condition of the oral mucosa most often does not cause any concern in patients.

Moreover, in the vast majority of cases, hypersalivation remains unnoticed and is considered quite normal.

In children who are not yet four years old, teeth are cut and grow very quickly, the gastrointestinal tract develops. Most often, the process of development of the salivary glands in this case simply cannot "keep up" with the rest of the developmental processes in the body.

Hyposalivation

With hyposalivation of saliva, too little is produced, which physical level can be felt by people as painful dry mouth, roughness of the mucous membranes, microtrauma of the tongue, difficulty swallowing (as after a long thirst). In patients with hyposalivation, plaque is formed very quickly. Unfortunately, this can provoke the growth of tartar.

2. Diseases in which this syndrome occurs

Excessive salivation can signal:

Insufficient salivation indicates:

• diabetes;
• Avitaminosis;
• radiation sickness;
• Collagenose;
• iron deficiency anemia;
• Sjögren's syndrome;
• depression.

3. Diagnostics

Hyposalivation can be diagnosed in the following way : a specialist examines the oral mucosa; if it is very slightly moistened or completely dry, saliva resembles foam or is completely absent, then measures must be taken.

The doctor will help determine whether hypersalivation is real or false (for example, increased salivation occurs with obsessive states, swallowing disorders, neuroses).

4. Treatment

It is worth saying that if hypersalivation is a consequence of inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, then treatment is not required (except for the treatment of a specific inflammatory disease, which has nothing to do with salivation).

If hypersalivation is associated with disorders of the nervous system, then it should be treated on a par with the underlying disease. In this case, tranquilizers and antidepressants are used, as well as hypnotherapy.

With drug hypersalivation The "provocative" drug is canceled or its dosage is reduced. Popular pharmacy remedy to combat hypersalivation - atropine (but it will give only a temporary effect). Also, with increased salivation, prosthetics are often prescribed.

With violations of the process of salivation galvanization of the salivary glands is also used. Often, electrophoresis is also prescribed using a 1% solution of galanthamine hydrobromide.

At home

You can also take multivitamin complexes prescribed by a doctor and additionally sanitize the oral cavity, use iodine-containing preparations, vitamin A. Peach oil, lysozyme, and borax in glycerin (sodium tetraborate) will soften the mucous membrane and relieve inflammation.

From folk remedies, you can use the following:

1. Decoctions of herbs (chamomile, oak bark). They should be used for rinsing the mouth;
2. viburnum berries;

• It is necessary to crush 2 tbsp. spoons of fruits in a mortar, pour a glass of boiling water, leave for four hours. After that, the mixture is filtered and used for external and internal use(you can drink instead of tea).

• Dilute a tablespoon of the drug in water, use to rinse after each meal.

• 25 drops diluted in 80 grams clean water, used for rinsing after eating.

IMPORTANT: You must use folk remedies only if the problem of salivation is not serious!

Before using any of the means, you need to familiarize yourself with side effects and contraindications.

5. Prevention

All prevention of the occurrence of salivation disorders comes down to careful monitoring of patients for their health, lifestyle and nutrition, as well as the timely passage of medical examinations to identify provoking hyper- or hyposalivation factors. In addition, it is necessary to properly care for the teeth and oral cavity.

Saliva is a biological fluid secreted by three pairs of major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, and sublingual) and hundreds of minor salivary glands. The secret of the salivary glands is supplemented by blood serum components, intact or destroyed cells of the mucous membranes, immune cells, as well as intact or destroyed microorganisms of the oral cavity. All this defines saliva as a complex mixture of various components. saliva plays important role in the formation of acquired plaque on the surface of the teeth, and due to the lubricating effect, participates in maintaining the integrity of the oral mucosa and upper divisions GIT. Saliva also plays an important role in physicochemical defense, antimicrobial defense, and oral wound healing. Many components of saliva, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and ions, are finely regulated when certain biological functions saliva. Violation of the complex balanced composition of saliva leads to damage to the mucous membrane of the mouth and teeth.

Saliva functions are normal

• Moisturizing
• cleansing
• Lubrication
• Digestion
• Remineralization of the dental system
• (maintaining pH due to buffering properties)
• Maintaining the integrity of the mucous membranes
• immune protection
• Antimicrobial protection (antifungal, antibacterial)
• Stimulation of minor salivary glands
• Facilitate swallowing
• Taste
• Speech articulation

saliva production

is under the control of the autonomic nervous system (Fig. 1).

According to the type of secretion, the salivary glands are divided into

Serous: the secretion is very thin and watery

• parotid glands
• minor glands of the tongue - Ebner's serous glands

• palatine glands
• posterior lingual glands
• labial minor salivary glands

Mixed secretion: the secret of a mixture of two

• sublingual glands - mostly mucus with some serosity
• submandibular glands - mostly serous with some mucus
• Anterior lingual glands - mixed secretion. Mucosal glands are innervated sympathetic department autonomic nervous system, and serous parasympathetic (Fig. 1).

Salivary glands are classified into large small

Large glands secrete saliva intermittently (Fig. 2). Small glands secrete saliva constantly.

parotid glands

The largest of the 3 major glands. Produce 30% of the total volume of saliva produced. The ducts of the parotid glands open into the oral cavity at the level of the maxillary second molars. Innervated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. They secrete saliva of the serous type.

submandibular glands

The second largest salivary glands. Produces 65-70% of the total volume of secreted saliva. The channel of the gland is called the submandibular duct, it opens at the top of the sublingual papillae. Located in a recess on the lingual side of the lower jaw.
They are innervated by parasympathetic nerves and do not have receptors for sympathetic nerves. Mixed secretion - mostly serous.

sublingual glands

The smallest of the major glands. They produce less than 5% of the total secreted saliva. Saliva enters the oral cavity through the Bartholin canals, which open in the sublingual fold. Innervated by parasympathetic fibers. Little or no sympathetic influence. Mixed secretion - mainly mucosal (mucous).

Minor salivary glands

Found throughout the mouth:

• The mucous membrane of the oral cavity (cheeks)
• Floor of the mouth
• The minor salivary glands play an important role in the formation of saliva.

Salivation (flow of saliva)

Basal secretion (salivation without external stimulus) is usually 0.2 ml - 0.3 ml per minute. If it is less than 0.1 ml per minute, then this means that the person has hyposalivation. Hyposalivation - insufficient production of saliva.

Stimulated salivation - response to a stimulus, usually taste, chewing or, for example, during a meal, medication - usually from 1.5 ml - 2 ml per minute. If the stimulated flow of saliva is less than 0.7 ml per minute, then they speak of hyposalivation.

On average, a person produces approximately 0.5 liters - 1.5 liters of saliva per day.
Salivation is determined by the time of day (Fig. 3). Salivary flow decreases at night.

The composition of saliva

90% of saliva is water. 10% - inorganic and organic ions and cellular components. Sodium, potassium, calcium are positive ions (cations), chloride, bicarbonate and phosphates are negative ions (anions). Cationic and anionic components play an important role in the function of saliva. Fluoride is also secreted into saliva. Unlike other salivary ions, the fluoride content (level) in basal and stimulated saliva does not change.

Organic components of saliva

Enzymes:

• Amylase - conversion of starch to glucose and fructose
• Lysozyme - prevents bacterial infections in the oral cavity
• Histatins - prevent fungal infections
• Secretory IgA - immune mediator
• Lactoperoxidase - stimulation of minor salivary glands
• RNases and DNases - cellular contents
• Lipase - initiates the digestion of fats
• Kallikrein is a regulator of vascular tone.

Cellular composition of saliva

• epithelial cells
• Neutrophils
• Lymphocytes
• bacterial flora.

Human saliva is 99% water. The remaining one percent contains many substances important for digestion, dental health and control of the growth of microorganisms in the oral cavity.

Blood plasma is used as a base from which the salivary glands extract certain substances. The composition of human saliva is very rich, even with current technologies, scientists have not studied it 100%. To this day, researchers are finding new enzymes and components of saliva.

In the oral cavity, saliva secreted from three large pairs and many small salivary glands is mixed. Saliva is produced constantly, in small quantities. V physiological conditions, during the day, an adult produces 0.5-2 liters of saliva. Approximately 200-300 ml. released in response to stimuli (for example, while eating lemon). It is worth noting that saliva production slows down during sleep. In each person, the amount of saliva produced at night is individual! During the research, it was possible to establish that the average amount of saliva produced is 10 ml. in an adult.

You can find out what saliva secretion at night and which glands are most actively involved in this process from the table below.

It has been established that the most high level saliva secretion occurs in childhood and gradually decreases until the age of five. It is colorless, with a specific gravity of 1.002 to 1.012. The normal pH of human saliva is 6. The pH level of saliva is affected by the buffers it contains:

1. carbohydrate
2. phosphate
3. proteinaceous

About how much saliva is secreted in a person per day was mentioned above. For example or even comparison, below will be indicated how much saliva is secreted in some animals.

The composition of saliva

Saliva is 99% water. The amount of organic components does not exceed 5 g/l, and inorganic components are found in an amount of about 2.5 g per liter.

saliva organic matter

Proteins are the largest group of organic components in saliva. Content total protein in saliva is 2.2 g / l.

• Serum protein: albumin and ɣ-globulins make up 20% of the total protein.
• Glycoproteins: in the saliva of the salivary glands, they make up 35% of the total protein. Their role has not been fully explored.
  Blood group substances: in saliva are contained in a concentration of 15 mg per liter. The sublingual gland contains much higher concentrations.
• Parotin: hormone, has immunogenic properties.
• Lipids: the concentration in saliva is very low, not exceeding 20 mg per liter.
• Organic substances of saliva of a non-protein nature: nitrogen substances, that is, urea (60 - 200 g / l), amino acids (50 mg / l), uric acid (40 mg / l) and creatinine (at 1.5 mg / l).
• Enzymes: mostly lysozyme, which is secreted by the parotid salivary gland and is contained in a concentration of 150 - 250 mg / l, which is about 10% of the total protein. Amylase at a concentration of 1 g / l. Other enzymes - phosphatase, acetylcholinesterase and ribonuclease occur at similar concentrations.

Inorganic components of human saliva

Inorganic substances are represented by the following elements:

• Cations: Na, K, Ca, Mg
• Anions: Cl, F, J, HCO3, CO3, H2PO4, HPO4

• Mental stimuli - for example, the thought of food
• Local irritants - mechanical irritation of the mucous membrane, smell, taste
• Hormonal factors: testosterone, thyroxine and bradykinin stimulate the secretion of saliva. During menopause, suppression of saliva secretion is observed, which provokes.
• Nervous system: the beginning of saliva secretion is associated with excitation in the central nervous system.

Permanent deterioration of salivary secretion is usually rare. The reasons for the decrease in saliva secretion may be a general decrease in the amount of tissue fluid, emotional factors and fever. And the reasons for increased secretion of saliva can be: diseases of the oral cavity, for example, such as cancer of the lips or tongue ulcers, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease or physiological process- pregnancy. The lack of sufficient secretion of saliva provokes an imbalance of the flora in the oral cavity, which can lead to periodontal disease.

Mechanism of saliva secretion

In addition to the main salivary glands, there are many minor salivary glands in the oral cavity. Salivation is a reflex process that begins or intensifies as a result of the activation of appropriate stimuli. The main factor that provokes the secretion of saliva is irritation. taste buds oral cavity during meals. The state of excitation is transmitted through the sensitive nerve fibers of the branches facial nerve. It is through these branches that the state of excitation reaches the salivary glands and causes salivation. Salivation can begin even before food enters the mouth. The stimuli in this case can be the very sight of food, its smell, or just the thought of food. When eating dry food, the amount of saliva secreted is much greater than when eating liquid food.

Functions of human saliva

• Digestive function of saliva. In the mouth, food is not only processed mechanically, but also chemically. Saliva contains the enzyme amylase (ptyalin), which digests starch in food to maltose, which is further digested to glucose in the duodenum.
• The protective function of saliva. Saliva has antibacterial action. In addition, it wets and mechanically cleans the oral mucosa.
• Mineralizing function of saliva. Our enamel is made up of hard hydroxyapatites - crystals that are made up of calcium, phosphorus and hydroxide ions. In addition, it contains organic molecules. Although the ions are very tightly bound in hydroxyapatite, the crystal will lose this bond in water. To reverse this process, our saliva is naturally rich in calcium and phosphate ions. These elements take up space vacated in the crystal lattice and therefore prevent corrosion of the enamel surface. If our saliva is constantly diluted with water, the concentration of calcium phosphate will be insufficient and tooth enamel will start to crumble. Our teeth must remain healthy and functional for many decades. Here saliva plays its role: its components, primarily mucins, firmly settle on the surface of the crystal and create a protective layer. If the pH is too alkaline for long period, hydroxyapatite grows too fast, leading to the formation of tartar. Prolonged exposure to acidic solutions (pH< 7) приводит к пористой, тонкой эмали.

human saliva enzymes

The digestive system breaks down nutrients that we eat, turning them into molecules. Cells, tissues and organs use them as fuel for various metabolic functions.

The process of digestion begins the moment food enters the mouth. The mouth and esophagus do not produce any enzymes themselves, but the saliva produced by the salivary glands contains a number of important enzymes. Saliva mixes with food during the act of chewing, acts as a lubricant and starts the process of digestion. Enzymes in saliva begin to break down nutrients and protect you from bacteria.

Saliva amylase molecule

Salivary amylase is digestive enzyme, which acts on starch, breaking it down into smaller carbohydrate molecules. Starches are long chains that are attached to each other. Amylase breaks bonds along the chain and releases maltose molecules. To experience the action of amylase, just start chewing on a cracker and within a minute you will feel that it has a sweet taste. Salivary amylase functions better in a slightly alkaline environment or at a neutral pH, it cannot act in acid environment stomach, but only in the mouth and esophagus! The enzyme is produced in two places: the salivary glands and the pancreas. The type of enzyme produced in the pancreas is called pancreatic amylase, which completes the digestion of carbohydrates in the small intestine.

Saliva lysozyme molecule

Lysozyme is secreted into tears, nasal mucus and saliva. The functions of saliva lysozyme are primarily antibacterial! This is not the enzyme that will help digest food, it will protect you from any harmful bacteria that enter the oral cavity with food. Lysozyme destroys the polysaccharides of the cell walls of many bacteria. After the cell wall has been broken, the bacterium dies, bursting like a water balloon. WITH scientific point of view, cell death is called lysis, so the enzyme that performs the task of destroying bacteria is called lysozyme.

Lingual lipase molecule

Lingual lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats, specifically triglycerides, into smaller molecules called fatty acids and glycerol. Lingual lipase is found in saliva, but it won't finish its job until it reaches the stomach. A small amount of lipase, called gastric lipase, is produced by cells in the stomach. This enzyme specifically digests milk fat in food. Lingual lipase is a very important enzyme for children because it helps them digest the fats in milk, which makes digestion much easier for their immature digestive system.

Any enzyme that breaks down proteins into their component parts, amino acids, is called a protease, which is a general term. The body synthesizes three main proteases: trypsin, chymotrypsin and pepsin. Special cells in the stomach produce the inactive enzyme pepsinogen, which is converted to pepsin when it comes into contact with acidic environment in the stomach. Pepsin breaks certain chemical bonds in proteins called peptides. The human pancreas produces trypsin and chymotrypsin, enzymes that enter small intestine through the pancreatic duct. When partially digested food moves from the stomach to the intestines, trypsin and chymotrypsin produce simple amino acids that are absorbed into the blood.

Other Saliva Enzymes in the Human Body
While amylase, protease, and lipase are the three main enzymes the body uses to digest food, many other specialized enzymes also assist in the process. The cells that line the intestines produce the enzymes maltase, sucrase, and lactase, each capable of converting a specific type of sugar into glucose. Similarly, special cells in the stomach secrete two other enzymes: renin and gelatinase. Renin acts on the protein in milk, converting it into smaller molecules called peptides, which are then completely digested by pepsin.